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I am considering buying an Apple TV. However, all the files I would like to stream are on just one machine (an iMAC), which is located 4 metres from the TV.
The TV has a spare HDMi socket. Is there any real benefit to apple TV? Is there any difference in viewing experience compared to a DVI-HDMi lead and my itunes remote?

To be honest, no, there's really nothing special about an AppleTV that you couldn't manage on your own with a computer. The AppleTV is essentially a glorified "cable" that streams video from computers around your house to your TV.

The AppleTV runs on a slightly modified version of Front Row. So you wouldn't really be missing much on the user interface aspect of the AppleTV. It also comes with the exact same white remote as most Macs.

I suggest connecting your iMac to the TV and then using Front Row. You'll not only save money, but also any hassles from streaming video over a wireless connection.

Well, I bought a mini-dvi to DVI convertor and a DVI to HDMi cable and the screen is fine.
However, there is no sound. Is this just a configuration setting, - or does the Mac Mini-DVI port not provide sound?

It's not looking good for Apple TV. I think a recent Cnet review summed it up best. It basically pointed out all the flaws, but in the end, mentioned that this is Apple's "first" crack at the product. Hopefully there will be improvements. On the other hand, iPod was their first attempt at an Mp3 player and XBox was Microsoft's first try at a gaming console.

DVI is a video only port, it will not provide sound - has nothing to do with the Mac Mini
HDMI is the only port at this time that will provide sound along with video

Thanks. I suppose I should have known that. Sorry. I'm a bit new to the world of Mac and I've got a bit to learn. I have noticed that my HD tv still produces rather a grainy picture, - even wi my new DVI-HDMi lead. I expected it to be similar to the mac screen. Probably too-high an expectation!

Thanks. I suppose I should have known that. Sorry. I'm a bit new to the world of Mac and I've got a bit to learn. I have noticed that my HD tv still produces rather a grainy picture, - even wi my new DVI-HDMi lead. I expected it to be similar to the mac screen. Probably too-high an expectation!

Maybe - I had high expectations also. At least, I was hoping it would be as good as my XP box which has been connected to an HDTV rather than a monitor for about a year now. No dice. Movies look great, but text is just plain, well, bad.

Don't know what size TV you're connecting yours up to, but keep in mind, your HDTV has a vertical resolution of only either 720 or if you have one of this years models maybe 1080. The little 15" MBP screen is 900 while most any decent computer monitor at 20" will be 1200 and 30" monitors are 1600. So we still have big differences between TV and monitor displays.

Have only hooked up my MBP via DVI / HDMI since I'm using my only DVI / VGA cable on my main box because Linux does not work with HDMI. With OS X in the house now, really don't think I'll be using Linux any more so I'll switch cables around and try the DVI/VGA cable on the MBP to see if that makes a difference.

I cannot be held responsible for the things that come out of my mouth.
In the Windows world, most everything folks don't understand is called a virus.

Thanks. I suppose I should have known that. Sorry. I'm a bit new to the world of Mac and I've got a bit to learn. I have noticed that my HD tv still produces rather a grainy picture, - even wi my new DVI-HDMi lead. I expected it to be similar to the mac screen. Probably too-high an expectation!